When problems happen to the vehicle you drive, it can be hard to know what to do about them. If you are uneducated on auto repairs, you should do your homework. Luckily, the article below has helpful tips so that you can start right away.

When you arrive at a repair shop, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Center your questions around the current problems and the precautions that you can take to prevent these problems from recurring. One of the best ways to reduce costs is by preventative maintenance.

Check your coolant levels frequently. Let the car run a while, shut off the engine and then pop the hood. You never want to open up the radiator if your car is still running. Look at the coolant you have in your radiator by checking it with a dipstick but remember that coolant usually needs to be mixed with water before putting it into your vehicle.

You don’t need to call someone to repair your car each time you’re experiencing trouble. You can easily learn to perform small repairs yourself. You can always go online and try to diagnose the problem and educate yourself to the possibilities. If it’s a quick repair to make, you can save yourself some cash by doing it yourself.

Read as much of your auto manual as you can, marking anything that is important. This will help you speak intelligently to a technician about your car when it is time to take it in. The manual could also help you figure out a simple solution to a problem that you are having.

Ask for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts. Those are the original parts from the manufacturer. While generic parts may be cheaper, you’ll never know how good the quality is. What may seem like a deal now can cost twice as much as buying OEM in the first place.

Be on the lookout for clear indications that a mechanic is not the right one for the job. If you’re receiving double-talk when you ask them a question, they are probably not the mechanic for you. You should feel like you can trust them, so don’t fear seeing someone else.

You should have basic tools in your car at all times. The tools you need include tire changing equipment, which usually come with a car. You need to get yourself a lug nut wrench and a jack, as well. Your tool kit should contain these items: socket wrenches, ratcheting tools, a wrench for torque and one that is adjustable, and both a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver as well. Don’t buy inexpensive tools. Get good, sturdy tools that won’t break when you need them the most.

Ask people you know about experiences they have had with repairing their cars. With the benefit of advice from acquaintances and family members, you’ll be better informed about the different options open to you. But, it is important to still do your research on the recommendations they give you. Checking out online customer reviews for a given garage is a must, and it doesn’t take long at all.

Talk to your mechanic about the rates that you will have to pay. A lot of places will put rates in the fine print and so you need to read over any paperwork carefully. Also find out how you are to be billed. Some shops have the repair times established by certain manufacturers. You may find that a repair that is deemed minor may take all day.

You should not let car problems to cause you stress or to make rushed decisions. A broken down vehicle can leave you wondering where to turn to get the best repairs possible. This article provided you with the education you need to get started, you just have to put it to use.